The best walks and hikes in North Shore Environmental Reserve

The Big Pelican, also known as "Old Mate," has stood tall since the 90s. It was built by the Pelican Boat Hire, looks happy, and is beloved by tourists. The area is home to many Australian pelicans, so there is a good chance to see a real pelican fishing or floating in the water as well.

Ely Park is a long, thin beachside park with grassy areas and shade from trees. There is a small sandy shore where it's easy to wade into the water, jetties, and lots of cafés and restaurants just across Gympie Terrace. There are also public toilets here right next to the Noosa River Foreshore Path.

This pedestrian bridge crosses over Noosa Waters right before it reaches the Noosa River. On the west side of the bridge sits Chaplin Park, and on the east side of the bridge sits Tewantin Noosa Lions Park, two beautiful riverside greenspaces. It's a scenic walk over the bridge, and there are lots of restaurants and hotels within walking distance.

Granite Bay is a striking section of coastline along the Noosa National Park, made up of exposed rock platforms with waves moving in around the edges. It stands out along the route and feels like a bit of a hidden gem compared to the busier beaches nearby. The setting is raw and open, with constant ocean movement and clear views along the coast.

Noosa National Park centres around the Noosa Headland, with coastal scenery, bushland, and a mix of environments extending out towards areas like Lake Weyba, Peregian, and Coolum. Despite being close to built-up areas, it feels like a protected pocket of nature, with eucalypt forest, wetlands, heathland, and sections of denser rainforest.

Devils Kitchen is a narrow coastal gorge created by the collapse of a former sea cave, leaving a deep, open chasm in the headland. Sheer rock walls drop down to the ocean below, where waves surge and echo through the gap. The fenced viewpoint offers a direct view into the formation, perfect for an up-close perspective and a strong sense of the ocean's power and the rugged, eroded coastline.

Coastal Walk follows the coastline through Noosa National Park, connecting headlands, beaches, and rocky bays along the way. The track is well-formed and easy to follow, with a mix of compacted path, boardwalks, and some uneven sections. There are plenty of beautiful ocean views the entire way, with regular access to lookouts and side tracks to beaches, making this an ideal way to spend the day enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

This scenic headland viewpoint is known for frequent dolphin sightings as they cruise the coastline below. There are wide views across Laguna Bay and back toward Noosa Heads, with benches for resting and watching the ocean. The open, elevated vantage point makes it a popular spot for wildlife spotting, especially during whale migration season.